Unexpected collateral damage from COVID-19 in developing countries

Subject: Unexpected collateral damage from COVID-19 in developing countries

As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps the world in suspense, there are growing concerns about potential collateral damage. According to several reports, terrorist groups like Boko Haram in West Africa and Islamists affiliated to the so-called Islamic State in Mozambique have stepped up attacks and claimed new territory. In addition, there are concerns that the spread of the disease could increase levels of hatred in divided societies and lead to mass atrocities and genocide, for example in Burkina Faso. Finally, lockdown measures and trade restrictions are also likely to intensify food shortages in developing countries.

1. Are there any plans to strengthen existing EU anti-terror operations in Africa or establish new ones in countries that have recently experienced a sharp increase in terrorist attacks, for example in Mozambique?

2. Is the European External Action Service monitoring the situation in countries that have experienced mass atrocities in the recent past and what measures is it taking to help prevent new violence?

3. How does the EU intend to address the imminent danger of poor and vulnerable people in developing countries suffering food shortages?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on behalf of the European Commission (12 August 2020)

The COVID-19 outbreak (1) has exacerbated political tensions in countries where the situations were already volatile. While no direct correlation can be established, several recent attacks by terrorist organisations demonstrate that COVID-19 can be used opportunistically by those trying to delegitimise the authority of States in certain areas.

On Mozambique, the EU has called for urgent attention to the deteriorating security situation in Cabo Delgado province. In April 2020, the Foreign Affairs Council expressed the EU’s readiness to engage in a dialogue with Mozambique to determine effective options for assistance. The EU supports the development needs for Cabo Delgado through the implementation of eight projects under the current programming cycle.

On the Lake Chad, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement (2) condemning the violence and the continued loss of life. He also spoke with the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs to express condolences, using the occasion to take stock of the COVID-19 situation and to offer support and solidarity.

More generally, the EU is working with international partners to ensure that humanitarian support and basic services continue to reach the most vulnerable groups of the population. In April 2020, the EU donated EUR 50 million to Nigeria to support efforts at controlling the spread of the COVID-19.

The EU closely monitors the food security situation in partner countries. The Team Europe Response stepped up EU assistance to address the needs of vulnerable people through (1) ensuring that the immediate humanitarian needs can be met; and (2) swiftly mobilising financial support to address the socioeconomic crisis. Current initiatives include specific humanitarian support for migrants stranded in transit in West Africa and a sub-regional response in the Horn of Africa.

⋅1∙ COVID-19 has penetrated Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) since March 2020, resulting in 12 457 deaths and 265 469 active cases as of 10 July 2020.

⋅2∙ https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/tchad/76503/chadnigeria-statement-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-latest-terrorist-attacks_en